Making a statement: Choose right clothes for job interview

Job interviews evoke questions long beforehand. One of those is what to wear when you go.

Professional differences can complicate those questions. Should a graphic designer dress to show her creativity? Should a truck driver buy a suit? Are there differences between proper interview attire for experienced welders versus new accounting grads?
Lauren Tilden, interim career counselor at Birmingham-Southern College and Connie Sator, seminar leader for Alabama Industrial Development Training (AIDT), answer those types of questions as they conduct workshops and advise job seekers.
Apparel expectations do differ according to profession, said Sator, who might advise maritime, industrial, construction or other specialists through AIDT's workforce development efforts. But all job seekers should choose interview apparel like their supervisors wear.
This follows the old rule of dressing for the job you eventually want, not the job you have.
Applicants should express their unique qualities through their conversation and work samples, said Tilden, not their attire. A theatre major should not dress differently than a business major for a job interview.
"They should focus on being conservative," said Tilden. "Their dress should not stand out from the crowd."
Those attending AIDT seminars held around the state are told to dress for their seminar in business-casual attire appropriate for manufacturing, construction and other non-office work, said Sator. She defines men's business casual as conservative-colored slacks (black, brown, navy, beige), topped with collared, solid-colored dress shirts. Those chino-styled pants should be belted and fit at the waist without bagging. Dress shoes with socks complete the ensemble.
Men should either be clean shaven or have their facial hair trimmed, Sator said. Braids or long hair should be pulled back neatly.
Women should also focus on conservative colors, with either knee-length skirts or pants that are not low, Sator said. Tops should be white or another conservative color and should not cling or show cleavage.
Those attending AIDT mock interviews receive feedback from Sator and fellow attendees on their dress, manner and interview answers.
Tilden gives the same "conservative" advice to BSU students of all majors seeking office/managerial positions.
For these positions dark suits are obligatory for both men and women, Tilden said. Men should wear button-down shirts, preferably in a pale color, and classic business ties. Women should wear a collared shirt or modest shell, avoiding camisoles or other tops dipping below the collar bone.
Jewelry for both sexes should be simple, Tilden said.
Women should also avoid high heels with open toes. They must wear hose. Men must wear suits, not sport coats. Clothes for both sexes should fit, not bag or pull.
Assembling the right ensemble may require an investment of not only money, but time.
"Giving yourself the right time to find that outfit is important," Tilden said. She added that applicants should never underestimate the value of appropriate dress.
"Those first impressions may shape their perceptions of your skills and abilities," Sator said. She said an interviewer should be able to focus on how you will be an asset to the company, not on jewelry, cologne or apparel.